All Forum Posts by: Laureen Youngblood

Hi Pandu. The few items I know for sure. The permits to add a bathroom include how an additional bathroom affects the current sewer system/ line. If it can handle the additional toilet and shower. What are the set back requirements from property lines? How will the additional plumbing connect to the existing and does it have enough room for the slope required for drainage?  

That's all before you can figure total costs for the addition.  It's always a good play on a rehab though. Especially if the current property only has one bath. 

Good luck... and hopefully you will hear from someone ....in your area that has done it and knows more. 

Yes, @Sean Babischkin

Also, look up those licenses and check for claims or complaints.  Beware of multiple linked licenses as this can sometimes indicate a lack of continuity in their business dealings.

Ask for, See and call on referrals from past projects.  3 minimum from the last 6 months.

Make sure they are willing to give you detailed bids (line items for each portion with the associated cost), not gross bids with no description.

Check out the BP "The Book on Flipping Properties... or the one on Rehab Costs" by Jay Scott.  They are both awesome and give a lot of detailed information.

Good Luck

@Jim Lally

Hi Jim.  Just an FYI.  Because we all have searches set up with key words...the majority of people that are going to see this now are those of us from the states listed that you don't do business in.  If you want a better response, you should list the states you do business in.

@Robert J.  Welcome.  I am also an investor in the Eugene/Springfield area.  I am a flipper as an equity build for buy and holds.  I have been in this area for 17 years and in the construction and interiors industry for 13.  If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.

Laureen

Hi Christen,

No tile does not fade - at least none that I have heard of.  It will hold up amazingly well for as long as you want it to - as long as it is installed correctly.  Porcelain is the best for floors because of it's durability.  Being in Seattle, I would seriously consider putting a heating system under the tile if you are planning on doing it on your main floors.  Sun Touch or Schluter.  Of course, if you are using area rugs, those might suffice to keep the coldness of the tile at bay.  As for tile brands - Florida Tile is still made in the US, Green Guard certified, ADA certified and great quality for the price.

Christopher,

I would concur with the above comments on HA.  We use it, but are very selective in what leads we let them charge us for.  Angie's List is similar from our perspective.  We are an Interior Finishes contractor that deals in cabinets, countertops, tile and floorcovering...we get about 50% leads that are no good for us - repairs we don't do, etc.

Bang for your buck, I would look into your local BNI.  I love it.  In addition to quality leads, you have the opportunity to learn a lot about being a business owner and sales.

Good Luck!

I can't really add much value to the discussion above. Your preferences for where you live is going to determine which market you look in. I have been in Oregon for 20 years both Eastern (way East) and now the Willamette Valley for the last 17. Just thought I would throw another name to contact onto your list. You are welcome to message me anytime for more info. I house hacked my SFR for 6 years here in the Eugene/Springfield area. In the college areas that is pretty easy to do if you are willing to share public spaces and rent out your extra bedrooms....not so easy if you have kids.

Is this actually still available?

Both ideas above are probably your best options.  Make sure it is wide enough to create that "slope" instead of an edge.  You will probably end up with a tile ramp or a wood trim piece.  Either is going to need to be 3-4" wide to get a proper slope without a tripping hazard.

Hi Kim,

That is a great question!  I am sure you will get plenty of feedback from the contractors around here and other investors that have good contractors that they work with.

I have been working with contractors for over 12 years as a Designer, Estimator, and a Supplier of all things interior and a few things exterior. 

First is to have realistic expectations-find out what is standard in your area for timelines and pricing (each season is different for different contractors) Interior contractors (flooring, drywall, paint, cabinets, etc are quite busy from June-Aug and October-January in our area as weather forces projects to move inside and after the spring build rush).  Ask around regarding labor rates and how far out they are typically booked.  If many contractors in your area are booked 3-4 weeks out, then tell them what your closing date will be on a property and get them penciled in, or be prepared to wait.  Being pro-active will go a long way.  Don't schedule them then cancel less than a week before the project...that is food off their table.

Clear Communication - don't assume anything.  Have a detailed and clear scope of work.  Until you work with a contractor long enough that you both know what to expect - more info is always better than less.  Ask for input from the experts.  Ask them what you are forgetting, or what other contractors will be involved in each portion of a project.  My favorite question is, "what is NOT included that I need to be thinking about?".  Who else will I need to complete this "Kitchen remodel", Tub replacement, Flooring installation?  

Often, they want you to know what you want - or what you want to accomplish - but they don't want to give design advice.  This is a generalization, but most contractors that I have worked with just want to go in and do the job and get on to the next one. 

Work around their schedule - early morning, lunch breaks and after the end of the day are the best time for contractors to meet onsite for bidding and walk-through s.  Tell them in advance the general size of the project so they can be prepared.  If you are going to be doing multiple walk thru s while you look at properties then offer to pay for their time to be onsite (flat fee).

As with most of us, don't waste their time.  Be respectful of their expertise.  Be prepared.

And...I would not be the Designer or Sales Manager if I didn't say - the company I have my day job with works in Sweet Home and I would love to chat with you more!